Meet Jenna Shapiro

JENNA SHAPIRO is a Sophomore, a California native, and an avid jewelry maker. She comes from the city of Laguna Beach, a place that she describes as rich with creativity and artistry. It’s one of the main reasons she grew into her artistic sensibilities, jewelry making among them.

Her love for jewelry started way back in middle school when she started making little rings for her friends. They were immediately a hit at school and Shapiro started to realize that she had a knack for jewelry design, as well as a passion for creating things for her friends.

Harnessing this skill, Shapiro eventually started working as a merchandiser for the jewelry company, Chloe + Isabel, where she sells products that inspire many of her designs. This job allows Shapiro to stay involved in the jewelry community, even when she is away from home.

At Stanford, Shapiro not only continues to make and dawn her own jewelry designs, but she also contributes to the greater artistic community as an intern for the Institute for Diversity in the Arts. Shapiro makes an effort to keep creativity flowing on the farm and jewelry making is just one of her many contributions.

People like Shapiro are leading Stanford’s effort to expand the presence of arts on campus, so Pulse thought it was the perfect time to sit down and learn a little bit more about Shapiro’s artistry.

“Some people say, ‘Don’t over-accessorize!’ but I say, ‘Why not?!”

— Jenna Shapiro

PULSE: CAN YOU WALK US THROUGH YOUR JEWELRY MAKING PROCESS?

J: My artistic process begins with going to a bead store and getting inspired while I am there. I really like picking my way around and spending my sweet time looking at different sizes, colors and personalities of beads.

I also cut out pages from magazines and create vision boards, where I tack up postcards or images that inspire me. I think that is a good way to start. It helps me put things together and curate a visual direction for my jewellry.

Even if you have never made jewelry before, it is really important to be confident in your creative capacity. If it makes sense to you, you should roll with it.

P: WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE JEWELRY PRESENCE ON CAMPUS?

J: I think because there is a pretty casual vibe on campus, people tend to be more low-key with their jewelry. I’d like to see people push their limits with whatever they want to wear.

P: CAN YOU SUGGEST SOME JEWELRY OPTIONS FOR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS ON CAMPUS? SAY, CLASS, A NIGHT OUT, SPORTING EVENTS, SUNDAY BRUNCH?

J: In class, students can wear things that are easy to throw on real quick in the morning. Nothing too fancy, but something you enjoy wearing and that can perk up your outfit a little bit. Perhaps a thin necklace—nothing that makes too much noise, like tons of clinging bracelets—just something classy.

During a night out, I am all about the statement necklace! It makes you feel special. Why not make a statement when you walk into the room?

During a sporting event, athletes can wear little stud earrings, necklaces or bracelets that won’t get in the way of their activity and won’t snag.

For Sunday brunch, I would suggest just lots of light, pastel colors!

P: WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WITH JEWELRY IN THE FUTURE?

J: I am really inspired by socially aware companies, so a big dream of mine for the future is to have my own jewelry/fashion line where I can empower other people at the same time.

P: IF JEWELRY COULD TALK, WHAT DO YOU THINK IT WOULD IT SAY?

J: I think it would give you little compliments. It would say something like, ‘You sparkle today!’ or ‘I see your true colors!’

Shapiro’s energy for personal expression and creativity is infectious. She is well on her way to her own jewelry line, so look out for her original designs. She has a bright future ahead.

CHECK OUT SOME OF JENNA’S JEWELRY HERE:

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PULSE Magazine is Stanford’s sole lifestyle publication. We work at the intersection of technology, art, and design, highlighting what makes Stanford such a rich and vibrant environment. We cover people, style, and campus culture with the hope of sharing stories by Stanford students, for Stanford students.